- Honeymoons
- Top Destinations
- Continental Us
- Lake Tahoe
LAKE TAHOE
Continental US Destinations:
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Tahoe is ideal for outdoorsy types; the water sports and ski resorts will keep you busy.
- It's perfect for adventure seekers—couples who like the beach but also like parasailing above it.
- Sublime scenery, in the mountains, on the lake and in the forest.
- Casinos, shopping and fine dining add a sophisticated layer to your experience.
- Sightseeing at low-key yet engaging historical attractions like Vikingsholm, Tahoe Classic Yacht and the Tallac Historic Site.
WHEN TO GO
Tahoe bristles with action year-round, though it's busiest in the summer and winter; you just have to figure out what sort of adventure you're after. If snuggling up on a private sandy beach while sipping on a pina colada is your thing, come in the summer. If you're into skiing or snowmobiling—or just like the snow—winter's the time to come.
WHAT TO PACK
Summer: swimsuits, casual-chic clothing. Tahoe is known for its relaxed atmosphere, so don’t deck yourself out.
Winter: Snow gear, including warm socks, sweaters and jackets. Bring your own ski gear or rent it at one of the many ski shops.
WHAT TO BUY
The views here are unbelievable, so why not take one home with you: Tahoe is famed for its nature photographers and landscape painters, and you'll find their works in the many galleries. Native American jewelry and precious stones, gems and fossils from the area are also for sale.
TOURIST INFO
Visit tahoechamber.com for information about lodging and wedding options in the Tahoe area. There are also an events calendar and links to Web sites of area restaurants and sports-activities vendors.
GETTING MARRIED IN LAKE TAHOE
California: No blood test or waiting period required. The couple must be at least 18 years of age and have identification. The fee is $60 for a public license and $53 for a private license, which is not on the public record without a subsequent court order. The license is available at any California county recorder-clerk's office or the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk's Office. For more information, visit the El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk's Office in South Lake Tahoe at 3368 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 108, or call 530-573-3409.
Nevada: No blood test, no waiting period. The fee is $55. The couple must be at least 18 years of age and bring identification. Couples ages 16 to 17 must have parents or legal guardians present or bring notarized written permission. A Nevada marriage license can be obtained seven days a week at the Douglas County Lake Tahoe Administration Building at 175 Highway 50, Stateline, Nevada. For more information, call 775-586-7290.
To find a wedding planner in Lake Tahoe, check out the Web site of the South Lake Tahoe Wedding & Honeymoon Association (tahoeweddings.org) or J. Hannah Weddings (laketahoeweddingsandevents.com).
CAFE FIORE
1169 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-2908
cafefiore.com
With a mere seven tables, Cafe Fiore can’t help being intimate, and the service here is as prompt and gracious as you’d expect from such a small place. Start off a remarkable meal with the oh-so-savory eggplant crepes: thinly sliced eggplant stuffed with smoked salmon; the chef lightly grills this creation before drizzling on a sherry-cream and sun-dried tomato sauce. For the main course, go totally over the top with the aragosta melodia (fresh lobster over fettuccine, tossed with mushrooms and tomatoes and finished with a lemon-tarragon sauce). If you’re on a summer honeymoon, dine outside, where your meal, a glass of wine, the woodsy scenery and the smells of the forest will delight your senses.
CHART HOUSE
392 Kingsbury Grade
Lake Tahoe, Nev.
Tel: 775-588-6276
chart-house.com/loc-tahoe.html
Amazing Tahoe Basin views can be had at the upscale chain’s mountainside establishment. As at all Chart Houses, the focus on is surf and turf, prepared with flair but not too fussy. A good starter is the steamed mussels, which comes two ways: either in a sauce of shallots, garlic and sherry or one of tomato, basil, garlic and white wine. A good bet for the main course is the grilled Cajun-spiced yellowfin ahi, which is served with ginger-soy butter and wasabi cream. It’s a rich dish, but nowhere near as rich as the signature lava cake, a molten extravaganza that involves Godiva chocolate liqueur, vanilla ice cream and Heath Bar Crunch.
FRESH KETCH
2435 Venice Dr.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-5683
thefreshketch.com
You can go the fine-dining route or casual at this nautical-themed restaurant, but either way you’ll have a mellow time. The more formal upstairs serves fancy dishes such as Alaskan king crab and cioppino. Downstairs in the seafood bar, cuddle up next to the stone fireplace and bliss out on sushi and more casual fare. Or just choose the always-fresh Ketch of the Day, usually prepared in multiple ways. During the summer and on winter weekends, the bar's a veritable party, especially after the crowd's belted down a few of the traditional (mai tai or rum runner) or specialty (the eye ketcher or the ketch 22) rum concoctions.
M.S. DIXIE II PADDLEWHEELER
760 Highway 50
Zephyr Cove, Nev.
Tel: 800-238-2463
zephyrcove.com/cruises
There’s nothing like a summertime cruise to put yourselves in a romantic mood, and the M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler is an extra treat because the food on board is as good as the views. But don’t take our word for it: This cruise has been voted the best in Tahoe for 10 years running. Dance the night away on a dinner cruise—you’ll dine on straightforward presentations of meat, seafood and pasta—or start your day off with a champagne brunch. The M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler departs from Zephyr Cove along with other cruise boats. A must for dinner at least once while you’re here.
NAKED FISH
3940 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-3474
thenakedfish.com
The owners of Naked Fish are fanatical about serving only the freshest of fish, one of several reasons why many locals consider it Tahoe’s best California-style sushi bar. The sushi chefs are so creative that this is a fun place to try something new—perhaps a Sierra Powder Roll (white fish, albacore and asparagus). If you’re just finding out that darling doesn’t like raw fish (the things we forget to ask!), don’t fret. There's plenty to like on the diverse menu of cooked items. Try the pan-seared halibut or the Tuna Shroom, a shiitake mushroom stuffed with spicy tuna that's tempura fried and served with flavorful homemade Ponzu sauce.
NEPHELES
1169 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-544-8130
nepheles.com
A longtime local favorite renowned for its superlative California cuisine, Nepheles is the place to come for fresh seafood, beef and game. Executive chef Mark Vassau crafts a menu that changes seasonally, and his daily specials are always worth checking out. For the main course, you might find a dish like the roasted duckling served with a wild-blueberry pinot-noir thyme sauce. Rack of New Zealand lamb is another favorite that's sometimes prepared with Dijon-mustard crust and served with a tequila, garlic and feta cheese demi sauce. Nepheles can get so crowded that its romantic atmosphere can fade, but the food is always impeccable, as is the service.
RIVA GRILL
900 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-542-2600
rivagrill.com
Here’s a super place to catch the sunset while sipping a wet woody, the house rum cocktail, prepared with sliding-scale potency. (The bartender won't even serve you more than two of the strongest version, made from Gosling's Black Seal 151 and Bacardi 151.) After cocktails, you can dine on fresh seafood while gazing at the lakeshore through floor-to-ceiling windows, or in summer, eat out on the deck. Summer is the busiest time at this bustling hangout, but for those on a ski-bunny honeymoon, the wintertime backdrop of snowcapped mountains makes the mahogany-paneled dining room all the more enchanting. Customer favorites here include the orange-soy glazed ahi and the pistachio-crusted halibut. The chef outdoes himself at brunch, with everything from sushi to a strawberry fondue.
SWISS CHALET
2544 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-544-3304
tahoeswisschalet.com
Honey and you can coo and fondue at this softly lit charmer beloved by locals as well as vacationers. Fondue isn’t the hook for a retro theme restaurant here—the Swiss Chalet has been serving up authentic fondue for five decades. The decor may not be the hippest, and the staff doesn’t bone up on the latest foodie jargon, but the dishes are a veritable marvel. You can get several kinds of steak, and some seafood is also served, but stick with the traditional dishes. One bite of the Weiner schnitzel at this textbook alpine chalet will have you thinking you’re honeymooning in the Swiss Alps instead of California.
TAJ MAHAL RESTAURANT
3838 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-6495
tajmahaltahoe.com
At least one of your nights in Tahoe, ditch the ordinary and visit the Taj Mahal, where the authentic Indian preparations include shrimp curry and lamb tikka masala—clay-roasted lamb cubes in a spicy sauce. If you’re a vegetarian wanting to spice things up a bit, you’ll find plenty to delight you on the varied menu. The staff here is exceptionally cordial, so if you’re not familiar with Indian cuisine you needn’t feel intimidated by the many choices. Your waiter will gladly help you decide what to order and will make sure your dishes are prepared only as spicy as you’d like them.
THAI ONE ON
292 Kingsbury Grade
Stateline, Nev.
Tel: 775-586-8424
thaioneontahoe.com
Restaurant names don’t get much cornier than this one’s (except maybe the Fresh Ketch’s), so it’s all the more surprising how pleasant the dining experience is at Thai One On—and how exciting the menu can be. Start out your meal with the signature lettuce wraps, po pia sod (finely chopped basil, chilies and chicken wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves). You feed one to honey, he feeds one to you, and you’re off to a romantic evening. You could follow the wraps with a colorful curry (red, green or yellow) or one of the five types of pad Thai noodles.
3 PEAKS RESORT & BEACH CLUB
931 Park Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 800-957-0436
lake-tahoe-california-hotels.com
To underscore the great love you're feeling for each other, book the 3 Peaks' honeymoon suite—one of its rooms has a gigantic heart-shaped Jacuzzi for two that sits right in the center. It may not be subtle, but there's no way for sweetie to miss the point, and superb relaxation will always be just steps away. This suite and most of the large rooms and suites have kitchen facilities and fireplaces. The 3 Peaks is a fine choice year-round, but the private beach (shared with a few nearby hotels) makes it a great one in summer. Fishing, swimming and water sports are but steps away, and you're not far from the action at Heavenly.
BLACK BEAR INN
1202 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 877-232-7466
tahoeblackbear.com
With media credits that include The Bachelor and dozens of magazine appearances, the Black Bear has quickly made a name for itself since opening in 1999. Like a starlet the camera can’t help but love, this chic-yet-rustic hideaway seduces the eyes with breathtaking architectural elements. The lodge section's centerpiece, a glamorous river-rock fireplace in the great room, rises grandly to the ceiling, and the five elegant rooms here entice with everything from vaulted ceilings to secluded balconies perfect for canoodling. For even more privacy, book one of the three cabins set in the pines. If you somehow fail to reach honeymoon nirvana inside, head outdoors for a romantic stroll through nearby trails.
EMBASSY SUITES LAKE TAHOE HOTEL & SKI RESORT
4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
530-544-5400
embassytahoe.com
When it comes to comfort, the Embassy Suites covers all the bases: great amenities, a scenic location and three beautiful garden atriums. You and your love can enjoy an in-room massage, grab matching hats at the ski shop or float side by side in the heated indoor pool. This is quality time together made easy. The balcony suite deck has amazing mountain views; it's an ideal spot for snapping sunset photos. If you don’t gamble, you might never leave: The eclectic menu at the on-site Echo Restaurant provides more than enough variety for your honeymoon stay.
FIRESIDE LODGE BED & BREAKFAST
515 Emerald Bay Rd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 800-692-2246
tahoefiresidelodge.com
You’ll love the homey feel of this B&B that welcomes new guests every night with a meet-and-greet social. And it’s not just the guests but also the pets that get acquainted at this dog-friendly haven. The canine-loving staff happily provides insider tips about activities for the three of you to enjoy, as well as info about dog-friendly restaurants, swimming areas and hiking trails. For a romantic interlude, leave the pup at home, borrow a complimentary bike and get lost on the miles of trails in Fireside’s backyard, which happens to be a national forest.
INN AT HEAVENLY
1261 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 800-692-2246
innatheavenly.com
You may not ski perfectly through life together, but you can certainly get off to a divine start at this B&B near the Heavenly Ski Resort. It’s a cozy place to return to after a day of skiing or tooling around town—in summer, you can bike or kayak together or take the Heavenly Gondola to catch lunch and superlative views at elevation 9,000-plus feet. Back at the inn, pampering awaits you at the spa. Suites here all have kitchenettes and fireplaces; in winter or summer, you’ll be tempted to chuck your schedule and curl up with darling the whole day. No worry if you oversleep a bit: The inn serves up an expanded continental breakfast until 11 a.m. If you can't part from your pooch, Inn at Heavenly is another dog-friendly option.
LAKELAND VILLAGE BEACH & MOUNTAIN RESORT
3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 800-822-5969
lakeland-village.com
All the elements for a honeymoon to remember can be found at this mountain resort tucked into 19 acres of pristine wooded grounds. It’s far enough away from the hustle and bustle of South Lake Tahoe to make you feel like you’ve been whisked off to Neverland, but close enough for you to access the town when you want to. Shuttles will ferry you to local casinos, and you’re but a short trip from the Heavenly Gondola. In summer, the resort’s quarter-mile-long beach beckons, and tennis courts, hot tubs and a spa will keep you busy when you’re off the slopes or the lake.
LAKESHORE LODGE & SPA
930 Bal Bijou Rd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 800-448-4577
tahoelakeshorelodge.com
A private beach and its central location—next to Heavenly Ski Resort—are good reasons to choose the Lakeshore, as are the cozy rooms, each with a full lakefront view and a fireplace. But what truly makes this palace of luxury the perfect setting for honeymoon bliss is the fantastic Elements Day Spa, where you can indulge yourself in the Couples Decadent Package, a two-hour mind-altering regimen that involves chocolate, champagne, strawberries and shea butter. With a heated pool, a hot tub and the shuttle service casinos provide (especially helpful on snowy winter days), you'll have a memorable experience no matter what time of year you come.
MARRIOTT GRAND RESIDENCE CLUB
1001 Heavenly Village Way
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-542-8400
marriott.com
Why stay in a mere hotel room or even a junior suite when you can splurge on a one- or two-bedroom residence at this marvelous property that's close to the Heavenly Ski Resort? You'll be only steps away from the Heavenly Gondola; the spa and heated pools will help you unwind after a day of skiing, hiking … or shopping. These are deluxe accommodations, most of them with great mountain views and fireplaces. You're on your honeymoon, so splurge on a room with a Jacuzzi. You won't need to get into your car if you don't want to: Within walking distance are a casino and plenty of dining options.
TAHOE SEASONS RESORT
3901 Saddle Rd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 800-540-4874
tahoeseasons.com
If you’re looking for the amenities of a resort with the laid-back comfort of a bed-and-breakfast, the rustic Tahoe Seasons, set amid a pine forest, may be the place for you. It's just yards from the bustle of one of Heavenly's facilities (California Lodge), but the atmosphere here is pure serenity, with hot tubs, heated pools and views of snowcapped mountain peaks to soothe body and spirit.
ZEPHYR COVE RESORT & MARINA
760 Highway 50
Zephyr Cove, Nev.
Tel: 800-238-2463, 775-589-4906
zephyrcove.com
Pine trees line the shores of the long, sandy beach of this destination resort on Tahoe's Nevada side, which has views across Lake Tahoe. Boats depart daily for brunch, dinner and other cruises, and water sports, sailing, sand volleyball and other activities take place. The cabins have a simple, woodsy motif (there are also rooms in the main lodge), and, if you're taking an RV honeymoon, there's even a campground. On site are a casual restaurant, an espresso bar and, for those sticky summer days, a beach bar.
BORGES FAMILY SLEIGH AND CARRIAGE RIDES
50 Highway 50
Stateline, Nev.
Tel: 775-588-2953, 800-726-7433
sleighride.com
If you've run out of excuses to snuggle together, consider a winery ride in a horse-drawn Amish sleigh; in summer, the horses—Blond Belgiums or rare Bashkir Curlies—pull antique and modern carriages. You'll swear you've been transported to the belle epoque. The sleighs and carriages are so romantic that some couples actually get married on them (imagine the photo ops). The Borges family has been running their business for more than three decades; the drivers know a lot about area history and love sharing their stories.
LAKE TAHOE ADVENTURES
3071 Highway 50
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-577-2940
laketahoeadventures.com
Snowmobiles, sand buggies, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), jeeps and Hummers—talk about a great way to put some bona fide thrills into those early days of marriage. The expert guides at Lake Tahoe Adventures operate tours via all these conveyances, providing you and your beloved with a crisp dose of reality on a snowmobile through the Hope Valley; jolting your senses on a sand-buggy trip through the Pine Nut Mountains (where you just might see wild horses); and zipping you through backcountry trails on an ATV. The jeep and Hummer tours take in the lofty Genoa Peak Trail (the peak tops out at 9,150 feet). If you've never driven any of these vehicles before, don't worry: Your guides will teach you how to use all the equipment safely before you depart.
LAKE TAHOE BALLOONS
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 800-872-9294
laketahoeballoons.com
You have to get up early in the morning to make it in time for these balloon rides over Lake Tahoe, but even inveterate night people will find the experience worth the change in routine. The balloon rides of most companies land on terra firma, but Lake Tahoe Balloons ups the ante with spectacular landings on a boat right on the lake. The real thrills, though, come while you're aloft. When it's not too windy, your balloon will soar above the highest mountains, yielding breathtaking hundred-plus-mile views of the lake and mountains. Romantic and amazing at the same time, a hot-air balloon ride is an unforgettable way to explore Lake Tahoe.
MONTBLEU RESORT CASINO & SPA
55 Highway 50
Lake Tahoe, Nev.
montbleuresort.com
The big casinos in Lake Tahoe all feature Las Vegas–like action, and many of the same stars cycle through the showrooms here. But even though many of the same companies—Caesars and Harrah's among them—operate casinos here, the vibe is smaller, friendlier and generally less hyperactive. It's quite pleasant, actually, and since the lake's a short walk away from most of the casinos, you can take a scenic break from your labors whenever you need to. One of the hippest places these days is the MontBleu, which has all the usual table games, plenty of slots, plus a sports book and a poker room.
PICCHETTI WINERY
3135 Harrison Ave.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-1500
picchetti.com/tahoe.html
Northern California winery owner Leslie Pantling opened this tasting room in a woodsy setting near the El Dorado Beach Boat Ramp. Her Picchetti Winery's roots in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco go back to the late 1800s. Pantling has owned the winery only since 1998, but her team has already won awards for its pinot noir and merlot vintages. You can enjoy these and other wines in what once was a wedding chapel. (If you're in the market for an elegant-but-rustic setting for a summer wedding, Picchetti is worth considering.) Before you depart, pick up some of the signature smoked-garlic mustard-horseradish dip to share at your own wine-tasting party.
ROUND HILL PINES BEACH & MARINA
Highway 50 at Round Hill
Zephyr Cove, Nev.
Tel: 775-588-3055
rhpbeach.com
Get your adrenaline going at this frenetic complex where Jet Skis whiz by and parasailers soar in the sky. With kayaks, Jet Skis and paddleboats, there's little chance you'll be bored on the water. The options on land include tennis and volleyball. Round Hill Pines is a great place to get your competitive juices flowing: There are so many choices you could do a triathlon here if you wanted to. Once you’ve worn each other out, take a yacht tour or relax on the half-mile-long sandy beach and grab a lemonade from the snack bar. Pack a picnic and prepare to spend all day here. The beach is open from Memorial Day through September.
TAHOE CLASSIC YACHT
Pope and Valhalla Estates, adjacent to Camp Richardson
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-544-2307
tahoeclassicyacht.org
This is one of several low-key museums that are quick and easy to visit yet highly informative. You'll learn a lot about boat restoration and life on the lake in the days before car travel became the national pastime. On view are antique engines and watercraft large and small. The parent organization's current project is the restoration of a once-magnificent 1921 cruiser built for a wealthy San Francisco Bay Area family Tahoe Classic Yacht is open only during the summer.
VALHALLA GRAND HALL
Tallac Historic Site
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-4975
valhallatahoe.com
The Tallac Historic Site, the united grounds of three grand estates—the Pope, the Baldwin and the Valhalla—formerly owned by other wealthy San Franciscans, hosts Valhalla at Lake Tahoe, a year-round (but mostly from summer to fall) series of music, arts, theater and film. Summer is the most active time, with outdoor concerts on the edge of the lake and plays, musicals and performances presented in the Valhalla Boathouse Theatre; movies are often screened at the theater as well. Next door at Camp Richardson, the Valhalla Renaissance Faire gets the summer season off to a manic start with jugglers, fencers, jousters and wenches in fetching costumes; Valhalla Grand Hall doesn't produce the event but usually sells tickets for it.
VIKINGSHOLM CASTLE
South Highway 89
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-3030
vikingsholm.com
One of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America rests dramatically on the edge of Emerald Bay in D.L. Bliss State Park. It's a bit of a hike from the parking lot down to Vikingsholm (to be precise, the hike back up is the hard part), but it's more than worth a little huffing and puffing. In planning her estate, Lora J. Knight—an elegant lady who with her last husband was a major backer of Charles Lindbergh's famous transatlantic flight—visited buildings throughout Scandinavia, researching architectural styles and interior decoration. Completed in 1929, her castle is replete with tastefully regal touches.
ZEPHYR COVE RESORT & MARINA
760 Highway 50
Zephyr Cove, Nev.
Tel: 800-238-2463, 775-589-4906
zephyrcove.com
For more than 100 years this resort has been attracting visitors to its sandy beach. Horseback riding, volleyball in the sun, and fishing and boating are just a few of the activities to engage in here, but you can also slow things down with some sunbathing on the beach—or with a smart cocktail at the Sunset Bar & Grille. The romantic dinner cruises of the M.S. Dixie II Paddlewheeler leave from Zephyr Cove (see Eat); you can also take cruises at other times of the day.
ART FOR THE HOME GALLERY
Ski Run Marina
900 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-541-1658
artforthehomegallery.com
This gallery in Ski Run Marina (see below) and near the Riva Grill represents artists from throughout the Sierra Nevada region, many of whom specialize in nature and landscape paintings and watercolors. Two local fine-art photographers whose work is worth investigating are relative newcomer Timothy Ross—his prints include some drop-dead-beautiful shots of Emerald Bay and the Scandinavian-style estate Vikingsholm—and Wolfgang Kohz, who has been capturing the essence of the Tahoe–Carson Valley environment for more than three decades. Art for the Home, which also sells glass art and pottery by local artists, is a good place to find a new home accessory you’ll appreciate for years to come.
FACTORY STORES AT THE Y
2062 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
shopthe-y.com
Save a few bucks poking around this 17-shop center—Tahoe’s largest collection of manufacturers' outlets—whose high-profile tenants include Adidas, Big Dogs, Geoffrey Beene, Izod and Nine West. Find that new pair of black leather boots for up to 60 percent off, or snag a cute new sweater as you shop to the scent of the nearby pines. Deep discounts mean you'll have more of your hard-earned cash to spend on romantic nights out with your spouse. And speaking of honey, stop by sexy Blue Willow Lingerie to pick up something you’ll both enjoy. If you're traveling on either Highway 50 or Highway 89, you won't be able to miss these outlets; they're at the two roads' intersection (the "Y" of the center's name).
LAKE TAHOE HOLIDAYS
3438 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-544-8684
laketahoeholidays.com
Now that you and your beloved have made your romance official, it’s time to start stocking up on holiday decorations for the many Christmases to come. It doesn't matter what time of year you honeymoon in Tahoe, because this Christmas store operates year-round. The unique decorations on sale here—made of glass, clay, fiber and other materials—will remind you of your trip as you put them on your tree each year. Lake Tahoe Holidays also stocks wearable art, jewelry and handbags, along with knickknacks to celebrate Mother’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, Valentine's Day and other special events. Oh, yes. For future reference, the store also sells adorable baby-shower gifts you might want to drop a hint about to the girls back home.
MAD SCRAPPERS
3447 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-544-2640
madscrappers.com
The two of you will doubtless be capturing every second of your trip with your camera, so drop by Mad Scrappers and look into some scrapbooking supplies. You'll find everything you need—paper, rubber stamps, ribbons and the like—to create a stylish record of your honeymoon. When you see the sample scrapbooks, you'll learn some ingenious techniques for your own book—and be reminded to save everything from your special trip (show and ski tickets, the label from your first bottle of champagne, etc.), because you never know what memory you'll want to fashion a page around.
MONTBLEU RESORT CASINO & SPA
55 Highway 50
Stateline, Nev.
Tel: 775-586-7000
montbleuresort.com/shopping.php
The sophisticated MontBleu resort has the sort of upscale shops you'd expect—Aveda (which stocks that brand and other products), the Lake Tahoe Cigar Store and, for all your sportswear needs, Sports Habitat. If your honeymoon needs a little spicing up, drop by Romantic Adventures for some fishnets or a silky negligee (not to mention massage oils). With free wine, live music and fine art, Galerie Blu’u is one shopping experience you could get used to. Every weekend the gallery books a different jazz band for your listening pleasure as you browse paintings by some of the area's most prestigious artists, including landscape and seascape artist Calvin Canepa, along with works by the famous Mexican painter Diego Rivera.
ROCK YOUR WORLD
The Shops at Heavenly Village
1001 Heavenly Village Way
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-542-2826
rockyourworldslt.com
Here's a place both of you can enjoy. A diamond in the rough, this captivating shop stocks rare gems, stones, minerals and fossils (including dinosaurs, trilobites and fish). Be sure to check out the one-of-a-kind chokers and other jewelry that Arizona artist Starborn fashions out of meteorites and fossils; the rings, earrings and pendants by California's Steven Ruse; and the leather-silver bracelets by Texan Will Cascio. Rock Your World also sells children’s gifts and home-decor items—there's even an educational section with books, toys and other materials about fossils, crystals and gems. If you’re in the market for souvenirs, this is the place to pick up truly unique items instead of things you could purchase anywhere.
THE SHOPS AT HEAVENLY VILLAGE
1001 Heavenly Village Way
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
theshopsatheavenlyvillage.com
One of Tahoe's great destination shopping centers, the Shops at Heavenly Village has everything you need—ski equipment and clothing, jewelry, gifts and art—and even stuff you probably don't need. The stores here tend to be pricey, but several are definitely worth exploring, among them Rock Your World (see above) for gems and fossils, Caché for women's clothing, High Chaparral for Western wear and gift and Rain Urbana for urban-chic fashions. Among the diversions for nonshoppers are an ice-skating rink, a movie multiplex and a miniature-golf course (open seasonally in the ice-skating rink) that's popular with guys whose wives, girlfriends and mistresses are having their hair or nails done. The center also has a notable wine shop.
SKI RUN MARINA
900 Ski Run Blvd.
South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Tel: 530-544-9500
skirunmarina.com
Much more than a shopping venue, the Ski Run Marina offers an afternoon of adventure—boating, fishing and cruising also happen here. The first phase of an ecologically pleasing redevelopment project one mile southwest of the Heavenly Ski Resort, the Ski Run Marina is the only on-the-lake shopping center in South Lake Tahoe, and the popular destination is truly a sight to behold. Art for the Home Gallery (530-541-1658), a gallery that sells (among other things) paintings, watercolors and photography depicting Lake Tahoe, is a high-profile tenant, as is Villagewear & Gifts (530-541-1700), which sells casual clothing and gifts and souvenirs. New stores will be added in 2008 and 2009 as the development expands.
